The Korean brand's rapid global rollout of electric cars shows no signs of slowing down, with the Kia EV4 primed to help the brand become a major competitor to Tesla and BYD.
Electric
How much will the new Kia EV3 cost?
2025 Kia EV3 preview: price, specs and release date in Australia
Kia has unveiled the EV3, a new small compact electric SUV that it claims will achieve up to 603km all-electric driving range (WLTP). Here's a preview of specs and pricing for the Kia EV3s which arrives in the first half of 2025.
The Kia EV3 small compact SUV joins Kia’s growing electric range which includes the award-winning EV9 large SUV, the sleek EV6 and the recently launched EV5 medium SUV.
By addressing issues of range and introducing new technology - including AI and premium streaming - to a Kia electric vehicle (EV) for the first time, the Korean brand is hoping the EV3 will help drive increased adoption of its electric cars in Australia in 2025, and compete against a new wave of cheaper EVs from Chinese brands.
Kia expects the compact EV3 will help transition more drivers to its electric cars in Australia. Image: Supplied
How much will the new Kia EV3 cost?
Three grades will be available in the Kia EV3 range, Air, Earth and GT-Line with Victorian drive away pricing from $48,990 to $68,490. That makes the EV3 comparable on price with the Hyundai Kona Electric SUV, and more affordable than the Volvo EX30 and Mini Countryman Electric, and eligible for the Federal Government's Electric Car Discount Policy, providing a fringe benefits tax exemption for EVs financed under a novated lease.
Like the Kia EV5, the Kia EV3 is built on the company's flexible EV platform E-GMP, which allows engineers to create different vehicle variants including choosing between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
For launch in 2025, the Kia EV3 will feature front-wheel drive with its 150kW/283Nm electric motor mounted on the front axle, but Kia has confirmed that a dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant will join the line up in due course.
Two battery sizes will be offered on the Kia EV3, a standard range 58.3kWh battery (AIr variant only) and an 81.4kWh version in all three grades, which offers a full electric driving range of up to 604km, depending on variant and wheel size.
More: Australia's cheapest electric cars
When does the Kia EV3 go on sale in Australia?
The Kia EV3 will go on sale in Australia by April 2025, entering a new car segment with plenty of competitors.
The dual screen panoramic display from the Kia EV9 also features in the smaller EV3
What is the range of the Kia EV3?
Kia believes range anxiety is still a barrier for mainstream electric car adoption, but says the EV3's long-range capability of up to 603km (WLTP) will go some way to alleviate concerns for small compact SUV buyers. To support charging times, the EV3 uses 400V charging technology, so it will be possible to charge the long-range battery from 10-80 per cent on a rapid charger in just 31 minutes.
The EV3 will debut Kia's newest regenerative braking system i-Pedal 3.0 which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to preference, enabling one-pedal driving. The system is intended to both improve energy efficiency and reduce fatigue on long drives.
The Kia EV3 will debut the company's new Smart Regenerative System which is engaged by holding the right-hand steering wheel paddle for more than a second and integrates autonomous driving technology with regenerative braking. A digital co-pilot scan the road ahead and when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system uses distance sensors with navigation information to automatically decelerate to a safe speed.
The Kia EV3 will offer vehicle to load (V2L) capability, to power electrical devices on the road, whether it's a laptop for work, or camping equipment such as an electric barbecue or fridge.
Kia has created a centre console table in the EV3 which can be used for a laptop or food
What is the interior of the Kia EV3 like?
The Kia EV3 is 4.3m long, about the same size as the Kia Seltos SUV. The EV3's interior has been designed to accommodate five passengers and can be personalised with a range of interior colours, materials and trim finishes Kia says are inspired by Air, Earth and Water elements.
Sustainability has been a key focus for the EV3 development, with the use of recycled Kia car parts in exterior plastics and sugar cane used in the dash. Recycled PET fabrics are used in parts including the dash trims, headliner, door armrests and floor mats.
The Kia EV3 uses the same large dual screen monitor as in the larger EV9 which houses the driver information display and infotainment controls. Increasing the opportunity to personalise the Kia EV3, drivers will be able to add themes to the screen as they would their smartphone. Kia is also debuting premium streaming powered by LG on the EV3, so drivers and passengers can access their favourite channels while the car is stationery and charging.
Thanks to the packaging of the front wheel drive system in the EV3, space at the rear of the electric car is maximised, with 460-litre luggage capacity in the boot and a two-tier luggage board offering 140mm load height flexibility. The addition of a 25-litre frunk contributes to the Kia EV3 offering the largest luggage capacity in its class.
Both Earth and GT-Line grades feature smart power tailgate for easier access to the boot.
The Kia EV3 features recycled components throughout its cabin
Kia EV3 infotainment and connectivity
The Kia EV3 will allow customers to access a wide range of their favourite streaming channels through its partnership with LG. The large colour panoramic screen also hosts arcade games so occupants can be entertained while stationery or charging. A premium Harmon Kardon audio system (GT-Line only) delivers what Kia says is close to a home cinema experience.
Kia will also debut its latest generative AI system on an electric vehicle on the EV3. Kia AI Assistant will allow users to control vehicles more intuitively and can support travel planning, including making recommendations for local cafes. As the Kia EV3 uses over the air software updates, the AI technology can be regularly updated to tune the Assistant for the driver.
Lost or locked car keys will be a thing of the past for Kia EV3 owners. Increasing the convenience factor, customers won't need to carry car keys for the Kia EV3, with the smartphone or smartwatch operating as a digital key. This key can also be shared with friends and family that also drive the car.
The Kia EV3 features a bold design (overseas vehicle shown)
How safe is the Kia EV3?
The Kia EV3 features a full suite of driver assistance technologies including systems typically seen on larger vehicles. Included is eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control which ensures the EV3 has optimum power delivery to the road. Forward and reverse emergency braking, lane keep assist and highway driving assist are all included in the Kia EV3's line up of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).
A head-up display (GT-Line only) projects key information to the windscreen to keep the driver's eyes on the road, while a remote smart parking assist is expected to allow the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle in and out of tight spaces from outside the vehicle.
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